How Many Times Has Obama Been to Iraq?

Judging from his press releases and information he confirmed to a reputable news outlet six months ago, it looks like only ONCE.

And, it's doubtful he took time off the campaign trail to conduct a secret CODEL to Iraq since last August.

Obama has, however, found time in his short three-year Senate stint to take a two-week trip to Africa to promote his book "The Audacity of Hope."

Matt Lewis and I will trying to confirm how many trips McCain has been on later today. The Hill report I linked above confirms McCain has taken at least six trips to Iraq. Hillary Clinton said she's been there three times.

Senator Jim DeMint (R.-S.C.) told me in a phone call last night he's been there three times.

I can't be the only one who thinks it's important for the next President to have visited a country we're at war with a few times can I?

This coupled with Hillary's criticisms that Obama failed to hold any oversight hearings on the Subcommittee on European Affairs, which he chairs, could certainly boost Hillary and McCain's arguments regarding Obama's inexperience.